We Belong Together: A Book about Adoption and Families
on Goodreads (552)
What’s inside...
A heartwarming story about the importance of family and belonging, regardless of how they are formed. Meet a young girl who has always felt like she doesn't quite fit in with her family, until she discovers a magical place where she can be herself and find her true belonging. Along the way, she learns that family is not just about blood or biology, but about the love and support we give each other. A beautiful and uplifting story for anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite belong. In a kid-friendly, accessible way, this book explores the ways that people can choose to come together to make a family by showing one perspective on the adoption experience. In a kid-friendly, accessible way, this book explores the ways that people can choose to come together to make a family by showing one perspective on the adoption experience. We Belong Together is about sharing your home and sharing your heart to make a family that belongs together. With an understanding of how personal and unique each adoption is, and that not everyone comes to it in the same way, Todd Parr's colorful art explores the meaning of family.
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a family?
How do you feel when we do things together as a family?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to have a family?
What are some ways we can show love and support to each other?
Can you think of any friends who have different kinds of families?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal family experiences or stories to relate to the book’s message, making it more tangible for the child.
Encourage the child to express their feelings about family and belonging, validating their emotions as they speak.
Discuss the different family structures mentioned in the book to broaden the child’s understanding and acceptance of diverse family forms.
Highlight the book’s illustrations that portray various family activities, and relate them to your own family routines and traditions.
Ask the child to imagine their own family doing activities from the book, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Family Diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various forms of families, emphasizing that families can come in all forms and sizes but are united by love and care.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different family structures they encounter in their daily interactions, promoting inclusiveness and empathy.
Example Lesson: Belonging and Inclusion
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and simple text, the book portrays how everyone, regardless of background, has a place where they belong, focusing on adoption as a beautiful way to build a family.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace the idea of inclusion and belonging, teaching them to be open and accepting in various social settings, such as school and community groups.
Example Lesson: Love and Support
Explanation: The narrative conveys that love is what makes a family, not just biological connections. It reassures adopted children of the love and support that surrounds them.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of emotional support and caring within a family, guiding them to express love and care towards their own family members and friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding Adoption
Explanation: The book provides a gentle introduction to the concept of adoption, explaining it in a clear, age-appropriate way that can be easily understood by young children.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand their own adoption story or that of their peers, promoting empathy and awareness about different family beginnings.
Example Lesson: Self-Esteem and Identity
Explanation: The affirming messages throughout the book support the development of a positive self-image and a strong sense of identity in children, particularly those who are adopted.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their unique qualities and feeling confident in their identity, helping them navigate their developmental years with confidence.